For the past couple of summers, the ODPA has been running a summer intern programme which has given us the opportunity to discover and develop some of the homegrown talent that we are fortunate to have here on the island.
19-year-old Julia Madden has spent the past month as part of our registrations team and learning about all aspects of the organisation. We asked her a few questions to see what motivated her to apply for the internship and share some of the things she has learned during her time with the ODPA.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have had the privilege of joining the ODPA’s Summer Intern programme this year. This September, I will be starting my final year of Human Sciences at University College London (UCL), where I have had the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, including public health, international law, and science communication. Alongside my studies, I have been involved in a number of societies, including the UCL FemTech Society and the University of London Chamber Choir. These experiences have allowed me to further explore my interest in women's health while continuing my love for music, which developed during my time at the Guernsey Music Centre.
Why did you apply for the internship at the ODPA?
I applied for the internship at the ODPA because it offered a unique opportunity to gain insight into a career in Guernsey outside of the finance sector. As someone interested in pursuing a future in public health, I was particularly drawn to the ODPA's role in public policy and regulation. Understanding how laws are implemented, interpreted, and enforced is relevant across many sectors, yet it can be difficult to gain direct experience in this area unless you are following a legal career path.
Although I had not previously been familiar with the ODPA, I was excited by the opportunity to broaden my work experience, make the most of my summer, and work from home in Guernsey.
What are some of the challenges people face around data protection and privacy today?
One of the biggest challenges affecting all of us is the increasing digitalisation of everyday life. Banking, healthcare, education, social media, and many other services are now integrated with digital systems. While this is more convenient and allows greater access to information, many people are unaware of who stores their personal data, how it is protected, or how it may be used.
The digital world offers many benefits, but it often requires us to share personal information, whether through creating online accounts, providing email addresses, or consenting to data collection practices that we may not fully understand.
AI presents another new challenge. Questions remain around how much personal data AI systems collect, how long that information is kept for, and how it is used. There is often limited transparency about the data being processed or how AI reaches certain decisions. This unknown has sparked more concerns around privacy and accountability.
Social media is another very current issue, especially regarding the privacy of children and young people. Data protection authorities worldwide, including in Guernsey, are continually adapting to new technological developments and evolving legislation. During my time at the ODPA, I found it especially interesting to learn about the different approaches being taken internationally and to discuss how effective and realistic these policies are in practice.
All these challenges have highlighted how difficult it can be for individuals to access, correct, or delete their personal information once it has been collected and distributed across complex digital systems.
What have you learned during your time at the ODPA?
When I began my internship, I didn’t know much about the ODPA beyond the research I had done while preparing my application. I assumed that the office was part of the States of Guernsey and focused primarily on ensuring that businesses complied with data protection law.
Over the course of my internship, I have discovered just how diverse the work of the ODPA really is. As an independent authority from the States, the organisation plays an important role in ensuring individuals' privacy and personal information is safeguarded especially in the context of government departments.
I was also surprised by the ODPA's international engagement. I had not realised the extent to which the organisation contributes to discussions on data protection at a global level, nor how highly regarded Guernsey's expertise is within the wider international community.
However, the highlight of my internship has been seeing the breadth of the ODPA's outreach work, much of which is led by the communications team. From school visits and educational workshops to presentations aimed at older members of the community, I have seen how the ODPA works to make data protection accessible and relevant to people of all ages. These initiatives reinforced for me that the organisation exists primarily to support and empower people.
Final thoughts
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ODPA and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a friendly and knowledgeable team. The experience has given me valuable insight into the world of regulation, public policy, and data protection, while also broadening my understanding of different career paths available in Guernsey.
I would highly encourage anyone considering the internship to apply next year - it is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and to learn about an area that affects all of us in our everyday lives.